Kenilworth Greenway
Kenilworth Greenway update - September 2020
Warwickshire County Council has received notification from HS2 Ltd that it has now taken possession of a section of the Greenway.
HS2 Ltd has closed a large section of Kenilworth Greenway to begin construction of a tunnel at Burton Green.
HS2 is connecting existing local footpaths and setting up signed diversions of public rights of way as alternative routes for Greenway users. Temporary construction compounds are being set up in the area for these works, which are expected to take 4-5 months from August to December 2020.
HS2 contractors are building a temporary Greenway to act as a diversion during construction for HS2 between Berkswell and Burton Green, which is expected to last around five years.
Work is currently underway to build the path and fences for the temporary Greenway in fields between Waste Lane, Balsall Common, and Hob Lane, Burton Green. Crossing points for the temporary Greenway will be constructed over three roads: Waste Lane, Hob Lane and Red Lane. These roads will be closed and diversions in place for the duration. Walkers and cyclists will be able to navigate around the closure points using Burrow Hill Park and nearby footpaths. Access to the Greenway is at Crackley Lane and Coventry Road.
For any queries about the Greenway works please contact HS2 Ltd directly on Freephone 08081 434 434 or email HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk
Image gallery
Car parking
Warwickshire’s Country Parks operates a cash-less car parking pay and display system to make it easier for visitors on arrival. Please note that we are now able to accept payments via a smartphone or smartwatch as well as contactless cards. Parking Charges apply for all, including blue badge holders.
Lay-by at Crackley Lane Bridge. Paid parking at Abbey Fields (Warwick District Council)
Visitor information
Activities
There are a wide range of activities along this greenway.
Toilets
The nearest toilets are at Abbey Fields.
Access needs
Please phone 02476 305 592 for more details.
Barbecues and fires
Barbecues and fires are not allowed, but picnics are welcome.
Countryside Code
Natural England and Natural Resources Wales have updated the Countryside Code advice for countryside visitors. Please read the Countryside Code so we can all enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
History
The railway branch line from Berkswell to Kenilworth Junction was opened in 1884. It effectively provided a short cut avoiding Coventry for freight trains heading south. Rumour has it that it was used in the war for the transport of munitions and the siding at Berkswell, left when the track was lifted in the 1960s, was used for ‘parking’ the Royal Train when the Queen visited the area. Later, even the siding was removed to make way for a station car park.
Left to itself, the old railway became a wildlife corridor. Hawthorn, birch and other plants quickly took hold and softened the edges, animals and birds found cover for dens and nests. People also found a traffic free route to and from Crackley Wood where, if you were quiet, you might see a fox.
Warwickshire County Council took ownership of the route in the 70’s but apart from work to clear a wider path, it was left to the walkers and the wildlife.
